On politics in the Golden State

Two vie to take on Rep. Capps in Central Coast race

Former Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado jumped to an early lead Tuesday over actor Chris Mitchum for the chance to take on Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) in the fall.

Early returns showed Capps with nearly half the vote. Maldonado was running well ahead of Mitchum for the second spot on the November ballot. Both are Republicans.

A serious reelection challenge to Capps was almost assured after an independent commission last summer redrew her district, which was once Democrat-friendly but was also derided as the "ribbon of shame" for its blatantly gerrymandered shape along the coast.